Travel Guide to the Eastern Cape, South Africa

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Welcome to South Africa's Wild Coast & Sunshine Coast: -

Escape to almost 1000 km of coastline where an azure blue ocean tumbles waves onto quiet beaches fringed with tangles of forest set against a backdrop of majestic scenery.
Whether you’re in a mood for an informal seaside escape, an encounter with the " Big Five " on safari, or a choice of scintillating city diversions, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in the Eastern Cape.

Scenic diversity is one of the most striking characteristics of the region, ranging from the lush, evergreen Tsitsikamma Forest to the rugged Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area, the southern slopes of the Drakensberg and the arid Great Karoo. Alternating between sweeping sand, river mouths, rocks and coves, the coast line is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Among them, surfers ride the perfect waves, anglers reel in king -size catches, and board sailors revel in the challenge of the wind. Sunshine all year round, fine leisure resorts and splendid facilities ensure that the great outdoors is always in style.

When pleasures of a more sophisticated kind appeal, you’ll find plenty to entertain you in Port Elizabeth and East London. Both are ideal for family holidays, large enough to offer all the amenities of a city, yet small enough to be genuinely welcoming and friendly. They also provide convenient access to unspoiled areas of exceptional natural beauty.

This page contains information on the various towns on the backpacking route in the Eastern Cape. The lodges in each town are linked to their home page.

Each lodge has a booking facility for each room in their establishment or the places on their tours. If you wish to book just follow the instructions on their booking page.

Travel Guide to Backpacking Accommodation in the Eastern Cape - South Africa

Select a region or town from the list below: - You will be taken to that region or town.

Wild Coast
Port St John's
Umtata
Coffee Bay
Cintsa
Moonshine Bay
East London
Hamburg
Port Alfred
Kenton-on-Sea
Grahamstown
Port Elizabeth
Jeffrey's Bay
Cape St Francis
Tsitsikama
Eastern Cape Backpackers Association

Backpack Africa International

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Starting in the North, the first section of coastline in the Eastern Cape is the Wild Coast. The Wild Coast starts at the Umtamvuna River mouth, also the location of the Wild Coast Sun and continues to Kei River Mouth. The country literally changes as one crosses the river into the Wild Coast (or former Transkei) from rural into untouched Africa. The Wild Coast is the home of the Xhosa Nation.

The roads are tarred from Port Edward through to Port St Johns except for the last 15 km, which can be negotiated in a conventional vehicle. The last 15km of untarred road are breathtakingly beautiful as one drops down from the mountain plateaus into the Umzimvubu River mouth.

PORT ST JOHNS

Third beach - Port St. Johns - Eastern Cape - South Africa Port St John is situated at the mouth of the Umzimvubu River, shadowed by two cliffs, fondly known as Eastern and Western Gates. Once a thriving commercial trading post, a sudden change of fortune made the town a ghost of its former self. The port takes its name from a Portuguese ship - “The St John” which was tragically shipwrecked a short distance up the coast in 1552.
It's a drowsy, easy-going place with three superb beaches, rocky headlands and excellent boating (10 km's up the river).

The climate is perfect, even for mid winter swims. Fresh fish can be enjoyed all year round and tropical fruits grow in the river valley. It is here that one can fish or dive or spend some time with a Xhosa family, participating in the daily activities of the tribe. There are also numerous shipwrecks, reefs and hiking trails along the beach to Coffee Bay, Hole in the Wall, Spoenskop and the Mount Thesiger Nature Reserve.

Forest Pools - Port St Johns - Eastern Cape Port St Johns Backpackers has all the info you will require to stay with a Xhosa tribe, see the white Sangoma and get the best fresh shell fish. Its a great place to chill. Second Beach Cottage is also worth a visit.

Port St Johns has been the home of many outlandish characters including a wandering hippopotamus- Huberta (the first hippo to visit the area in 100 years). She stayed for 6 months and each night wandered through the streets chomping up the local gardens. Just like Huberta you may also be struck with Pondo fever, extending your stay way beyond your original departure date. Symptoms are that one gets mellow, laid back and develops a taste for cheap seafood. Time seems to stand still, with most people who intended to stay for one day staying much longer.

UMTATA

To get to Coffee Bay or continue further on your way to Cintsa, one has to go inland to Umtata. Umtata was the capital of the former Transkei.

Umtata is approximately 100 kilometres from Port St John's and is a good place to stock up or refill and refuel. Umtata is also the pick-up and drop-off point for the Baz Bus and the major bus companies such as Translux and Inter Cape. All lodges in Port St Johns, Hole in the Wall and Coffee Bay will collect you at the Shell service station opposite the bus terminal if booked through the Backpack Africa Booking system in advance.

COFFEE BAY
Coffee Bay is famous for its fishing and abundant sea food. Salmon, Garrick, Musselcracker, Grunter and Rock Cod are frequently caught from the shore. Red Steen Bras, Seventy Four, Daggeraad and Yellow tail can be caught whilst deep sea fishing on any of the daily commercial launches or book at Coffee Bay Backpackers.

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The Sunshine Coast starts just above Cinsta and continues down to the Tsitsikama forests at Storms River just before Plettenberg Bay.

CINTSA
Cintsa is a place of quiet seclusion in a most beautiful and unspoiled coastal setting, with 8 kms of unimpeded beach. Cintsa, a Xhosa word meaning “river of falling banks”, is situated in the heart of the Wild coast 35 km north of East London. Cintsa has lovely beaches, good weather & surfing. Take a slow canoe trip up the Cintsa River from Buccaneers Backpackers, located at the mouth of the river, to see giant bamboo plantations and fish eagles. Owner Sean Price is very knowledgeable on the area and offers Transkei tours that take you off the beaten track.

MOONSHINE BAY
Tumble across the lawns at Moonshine Bay Backpackers straight onto the beach if living within earshot of crashing waves, volleyball or horse riding on the beach are what one needs to rejuvenate the soul. This is the other end of the Wild Coast and with East London form the Gateway to the Wild Coast from the Eastern Cape.

EAST LONDON
East London is known for its pristine beaches. Nahoon and Eastern Beach are known for good surf and as excellent swimming and body surfing locations. East London is also a gateway into the Wild Coast and the Hogs Back area. Sugar Shack Backpackers, located right on the beach on the Eastern Esplanade, is run by Andre, Dan and Brad.
They have all the dope on the best surf spots, fishing, diving and the clubs and night life in East London. They also offer trips to their sister lodge, Away with the Fairies in the Hogs Back area of the Amatola mountains.
East London Backpacker’s central location is a great starting point to explore the city, beaches and museums.

HAMBURG
Further down the coast we come to Hamburg. Hamburg, situated on the banks of the Kieskamma River estuary, is one of the few locations where you can still do prawn netting and catch large sea crabs, which come up the estuary to breed. You can travel up the Kieskamma River for 18 km by boat and along the beaches for 45 kilometers by 4 wheel drive. It is also known for its excellent fishing.

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PORT ALFRED
Port Alfred has great fishing, excellent beaches, good surf and a trunk full of South Africa history all of which can be accessed from Port Alfred Backpackers Lodge.

KENTON-ON-SEA

GRAHAMSTOWN
On route to Port Elizabeth one passes through Grahamstown, which annually hosts the Grahamstown festival and is the home of Rhodes University.

PORT ELIZABETH
Port Elizabeth Aquarium - Dolfins jumping, Eastern Cape This place of old moorings and refreshment for sailing ships in the 1700's, was besieged by British settlers in the 1820's, who found the hospitable climate and arable land to their liking. Today the city is rated as having the 4th best weather conditions in the world and has been dubbed the “friendly city”. Port Elizabeth has good surfing, beaches, a Sea World Aquarium and the world famous Addo Elephant National Park in close proximity.

Kings Beach Backpackers, the P E Caboose and Lungile Backpackers are situated a short walk from the beach, aquarium and amusement areas. Jikeleza Lodge is situated centrally above the city center. All these lodges cater for tours to the townships, Addo Elephant Park and surrounding areas.

JEFFREY'S BAY
“Endless beaches, endless summers designed for the unhurried, unworried sun-soaked beach lovers” Sound like Heaven? No, it’s “J’Bay”, where the superb climate, stretches of safe beaches, the best surf in the world, activities such as angling, fishing, wind surfing, shell collecting or simply lazing on the beach can be summarized in the caption; - ’Not just a town- a way of life'
Jeffrey's Bay or “J’Bay” is world renowned for it's surfing, the sea shells that are washed up on the sea shore, its large calamari industry and the penguin sanctuary. "Super Tubes" surfing break is considered as one of the best right hand point breaks in the world and is complimented by breaks such as “Kitchen Windows”, “Surfers Point” and “Magna Tubes”.
Surfers Point, considered a very good long board wave, is also suitable for beginners because it's a slow breaking wave. Jeffrey's Bay Backpackers is located in town and a short walk from most amenities and the beach. Island Vibe Backpackers and Crystal Cove Backpackers are located on the beach, surfer friendly and all three are highly recommended.

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CAPE ST. FRANCIS
Cape St. Francis is not to be missed with its good fishing, surfing and beaches.

TSITSIKAMA
Derived its name from the Khoi-khoi expression for “place of abundant water”. This park offers adventure activities in 40000 ha of forested coastline and riverine systems. Hike the 5 day Otter trail, bungee off the highest commercial jump in the world at Bloukrants River bridge, a staggering 221m drop, snorkel at Sand Bay or go blackwater tubing down the rivers. Alternately indulge in birding (the feathered kind) and whale watching, visit a giant 800 year old Outiniqua yellowood tree or ride down the Storms river pass on a mountain bike or tractor. This is not for the feint hearted.

This Route is well serviced by the Baz Bus, transport and tour operators catering to the backpacking industry.

The Xhosa People of the Eastern Cape
Xhosa man using "Isinuka mud" for healing purposes. Isinuka Sulphur Springs - Port St. Johns
The Xhosa people are of Nguni stock, comprising a number of different tribes. They originally inhabited the Zuurveld area north-east of Port Elizabeth, and their resistance to the encroachment of white settlers led to nine Frontier Wars between the colonists and the Xhosa between 1779 and 1878. During the course of the conflict, most Xhosa people moved to the Keiskamma and Kei River areas. Although, today the Xhosa are moving into towns and cities and becoming increasingly westernized. Those who remain on the land cling to their old tribal systems and timeless traditions.

Each rural family lives in a group of huts known as a kraal, which incorporates a small garden and a cattle byre. Cattle, sheep and goats play an important role in their social life and its rituals. A man counts his wealth in cattle.
At one time, on all solemn occasions - birth, initiation, marriage and death - a sacrifice was made to the spirits, but with the spread of Christianity, such practices are dying out.

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Backpacker Associations
| BAI - BackPack Africa International | BTSA | HISA |

Backpacker Travel Guides
| Lonely Planet | Rough Guide | Lets Go |

Tourism Associations
| Gauteng Tourism Association |

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